Modularity and Flexibility At The Small Scale: Evolving Continuous Material Variation with Stereolithography

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a technique by which the internal material properties of an object can be optimised at a microstructural level (5x10-5m) to counteract the forces that are applied to it. These can then be fabricated using the rapid prototyping method of stereolithography. The proposed technique is analogous to principles of mass customization and takes advantage of a flexible module to create complex structures in a manner that is computationally efficient and effective.

The process is two-staged, in which a genetic algorithm evolves the topology of the microstructure and a second algorithm incorporating Finite Element Analysis then optimises the geometry. The examples shown are designed specifically for the fabrication technique, but the method and general principles are applicable to structural problems at any scale.

Title: Modularity and Flexibility At The Small Scale: Evolving Continuous Material Variation with Stereolithography

Author: Sean Hanna
Author: Mahdavi S. Haroun
Author:Mahdavi S. Haroun

Publication: Proceedings of the 23rd annual conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture and the 2004 conference of the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community | full text (PDF)

Year: 2004

D.O.I: acadia04_076

ISBN: 0969666527

Tags: Sean Hanna genetic algorithm CAD computer aided design fabrication Mahdavi S. Haroun microstructures smart materials stereolithography